Sprouting Melodies Weekly
Notes from Kristina

The Lap Ride                                                                       August 4, 2015

Good morning,  


The lap ride is a staple in our music classes. It is a fun experience of moving together and bonding with your little one. We only have so much time to explain the benefits and uses for the lap ride during class, so here is some more information on how it can support healthy development. 

 

Lap ride songs are really useful when children have a lot of pent up energy and are running around the room or bouncing off the walls! You may notice your Sprouting Melodies Provider switch to a lap ride song when the energy in the room is high. The lap ride gives your child the sensory input they are looking for when running around, but in a safe and fun way. The more energetic your child, the bigger the bounce should be. 

 

Lap rides can help your child feel centered and balanced. Developing a strong core will aide in learning to walk and move safely. The side to side motion activates their core muscles, and you may feel their weight shift in order to counteract the falling sensation. The lap ride should be more work for the child than for you! In Sprouting Melodies 1 you can support them by holding them higher up under their armpits, and as they get older and their core grows stronger you can support them lower on their trunk or their hips.  

 

Your children are practicing using their protective reflexes by reaching their hands out to catch themselves as they sway side to side. Don't be afraid to really tip them! In Sprouting Melodies 1 (0-9 months) and for some in Sprouting Melodies 2 (6-18 months), the lap ride is more about developing closeness with the caregiver, and moving together as one. Really support them in the movement, and have them facing you through the stages of awareness and trust. Once your child shows signs of wanting more stimulation by turning to look at others, turn them to face outwards so they can observe others doing the lap ride with them. 

 

Use the lap ride at home when:

  • Getting into the high chair
  • Waiting in the doctor's office 
  • Getting into the car seat 
  • Going through tough transitions
  • They need to expel some energy

Have fun, and I'll see you in class!  

~Kristina

 

Kristina Barbo, MT-BC 
Board Certified Music Therapist  
Roman Music Therapy Services, LLC  
423 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176 
781-665-0700 Office 
[email protected]
www.romanmusictherapy.com

Refer A Friend

Bring a new family for a test drive class. If they decide the class is not for them, then the class is free of charge.  If they sign up, they receive $15 off their registration, and you receive a credit for $20 off your next session.

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